کویاسان

by Darren Shan

Take a step into the unknown in a spine tingling story for World Book Day from the internationally bestselling Darren Shan. The boys and girls in the graveyard were shouting, but Koyasan no longer heard them. The world had become a wide, grey void. She could hear deep rasping sounds, the breath of creatures which had been human once but weren't any more... Koyasan is too scared to cross the bridge and play in the graveyard like the other children. But when her sister's soul is stolen, she must find the courage to enter a realm of evil, shape-shifting spirits.And the spirits are waiting...

Genres: Fantasy, Horror, Fiction, Young Adult, Childrens, Supernatural, Middle Grade

112 pages

First published March 2, 2006

About the author

Librarian's note: Also writes books for adults under the name Darren Dash. And in the past he has released books for adults under the names D.B. Shan and Darren O'Shaughnessy.

Darren Shan (born July 2, 1972 in London, England) is the pen name of the Irish author Darren O'Shaughnessy, as well as the name of the protagonist of his book series The Saga of Darren Shan, also known as The Cirque Du Freak Series in the United States. He is the author of the series The Demonata, The Saga of Larten Crepsley, and Zom-B. He has also released the stand-alone novel, The Thin Executioner, and the stand-alone short novels, Koyasan, and Hagurosan. Plus, for adults, he released The City Trilogy (originally under the name of D.B. Shan), and Lady of the Shades..

Reviews

[Teresa Grabs · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely wonderful tale of Koyasan and the lengths she went to in order to save her younger sister. Koyasan was teased for being too afraid to cross the bridge to play in the graveyard with the other village children and after an argument, her sister ran across the bridge at night to play in the graveyard. The spirits were angry, lonely monsters who stole her sister's soul and only Koyasan could get it back--if she could conquer her fears and defeat three warriors selected by the spirits.

I loved Koyasan's perseverance and logical thinking. Sometimes things are not at all what they first appear to be and conquering her fears, silencing her inner demon, and finding inner strength made Koyasan the perfect hero.

Another great story by Darren Shan!

[raafi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ketika salah seorang teman berkata bahwa dia sudah membaca buku ini sewaktu sekolah, aku meenyadari bahwa aku memang ketinggalan jauh akan bacaan-bacaan yang semestinya dibaca saat usia lebih muda. Tapi, berkesempatan membaca buku anak-anak ketika dewasa itu sebuah anugerah.

Sudah lama mendengar kata Darren Shan karena beberapa teman komunitas memfavoritkannya, akhirnya aku bisa membaca buku--yang menurutku--termasuk bacaan anak-anak ini. Dibawakan dengan sudut pandang orang ketiga, Darren Shan menceritakan kisah Koyasan bagai dongeng.

Sampul dengan gadis cilik menggunakan kimono yang terlihat lucu bagai kamuflase yang baik dari kisah ngeri penuh gentar di dalamnya. Aku jadi begitu penasaran dengan karya Darren Shan yang lain. Apakah memang begini tuturan kisahnya? Di balik sisi menyeramkan yang ditonjolkannya, Darren Shan memberikan gambaran kehangatan yang amat bisa menjadi pelajaran bagi siapa saja yang membaca kisah Koyasan ini, terutama anak-anak.

Duh, pengin ulas panjang lebar deh! Huhuhu.

[M.L. Rayner · Rating 3 out of 5]

The intention of this book is really for kids. This was gifted to me as an Xmas gift. I thought I'd be slating it. Turned out to be a good story, polished off with a nice little lesson.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread: I was 11 when I first read this book at school. It was a book that I still dream about every now and then, still think about and believes me to think that this book is why I love horror and bittersweet endings so much. I never reread books, but this was something I had to do and am sure to read once more in the future.


2022: This is the book that got me into reading in the first place. A book from my childhood I still think about once in a while.

[Ryan Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coming into this as a huge Darren Shan fan who has read everything he has published. This could possibly be my favourite book of his. Reads like a ghost story that has been around for centuries with an ending that is unusually heart warming for him and hits all the fairy tale tropes in the best way, keeping things fresh whilst keeping all the things we love about the classic tales. Only downside is it’s not longer but think that might be part of its magic

[Negin · Rating 3 out of 5]

was really childish but still a good story for kids

[Ravash · Rating 5 out of 5]

شیرین، آموزنده (به معنای واقعی کلمه برای من!) و دوست‌داشتنی بود. اثر متفاوت‌تری از دارن شان که با همون مهارت همیشگیش نوشته شده✨

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is AMAZING. It is very short, but it has made a huge affect on me after I read it. It is very creative and interesting. The characters Darren Shan came up with have very interesting personalities. This is a book definitely a 'worth to read' book.

[Shaghayegh · Rating 5 out of 5]

اولاشو که خوندم گفتم خب فکر نکنم موضوعشو دوست داشته باشم.اما آخرین صفحه که تموم شد نفس حبس شده تو سینم نشون میداد که یه داستان غیرمنتظره رو تموم کردم و با کاراکتر اصلی پیش اومدم و از روند داستان خوشم اومده👻🌱☺

[Pauline Van der Velde · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is the perfect story for Halloween with a nice lesson in it. Short story, quickly to read. Enjoyed it.

[Ethan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As much as I love my ghost stories absolutely terrifying, I also love it when they’re incredibly sweet and celebrate the beauty of life and death and this ghost story had both so I’m more than happy.

[Nayomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Predictable end but lovely journey to get there. The world building in such a tiny novella was very good and has a nice element of scariness in it, even with it being a children's book.

[Salsabilla Sakinah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Satu lagi buku dari pengarang jenius favoritku, Darren 'O Shaughnessy. Setelah 'terjebak' dalam kegilaan 12 jilid serial pertamanya yang diterbitkan di Indonesia, Serial Petualangan Darren Shan (Darren Shan Saga), nama pena 'Darren Shan' adalah satu hal yang akan membuatku segera mengambil buku tersebut dari rak. Begitu pula Koyasan ini.

“Kebanyakan orang merasa takut suatu waktu dalam hidupnya. Itu tidak berarti mereka pengecut. Pengecut adalah mereka yang tidak melakukan apapun ketika rasa takut mengancam menghancurkan mereka. Kau harus menghadapi rasa takutmu saat keadaan mendesak. Kau mungkin tidak selamat kalau melakukannya, tapi kalau kau mati, kau tidak akan mati sebagai pengecut.” -Koyasan, hlm 24-

Paragraf di atas adalah kalimat kesukaanku dari novel Koyasan. Dikutip dari kata-kata Itako -seorang tetua desa yang dikabarkan memiliki kemampuan ‘khusus’- pada Koyasan, sang tokoh utama. Dan menurutku, kutipan itu juga lah, inti dari cerita ini: tentang bagaimana seseorang menghadapi ketakutannya.

Aku malas membuat sinopsis, jadi kukutipkan saja dari cover belakang:

Di Desa Koyasan ada jembatan batu sempit yang menghubungkan desa dengan pekuburan kuno. Semua teman Koyasan senang bermain ke pekuburan itu, termasuk Maiko, adik Koyasan yang masih kecil. Cuma Koyasan yang tidak berani menyeberangi jembatan tersebut.

Suatu malam, jiwa Maiko dicuri arwah-arwah gentayangan di pekuburan kuno itu. Menurut Itako, tetua desa, untuk menolong Maiko, Koyasan harus merebut jiwa Maiko malam ini juga. Karena saat fajar tiba, jiwa Maiko akan menyerpih dan tak terselamatkan…

Bagaimana? Mungkin selintas terdengar seperti cerita hantu Jepang biasa, yang memang sering mengambil latar pekuburan kuno di sana. Tapi sungguh, cerita ini tidak sesederhana itu.

Salah satu hal yang menarik bagiku adalah penggunaan hantu-hantu sebagai metafora untuk ketakutan seseorang. Hal itu digambarkan dengan begitu menarik pada bab saat Koyasan harus mengalahkan tiga hantu sebagai syarat untuk mengambil kembali jiwa Maiko.

Setelah membaca seluruhnya, aku tidak lagi heran mengapa gambar sampul Koyasan ini seperti buku cerita anak-anak. Berbeda dengan Darren Shan saga yang ditujukan untuk remaja -melihat dari ceritanya yang penuh ketragisan dan beberapa adegan sadis-, gaya bahasa dan cerita Koyasan memang lebih ringan dan sepertinya memang untuk segmen anak-anak. Tapi tetap saja, aku lebih suka cover asli Koyasan dibanding edisi Gramedia-nya!

[Victoria Dotson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute quick little enjoyable story, it had horror aspects but didn't really give me a scare factor. I enjoyed reading it and found that I enjoyed the main character and how she dealt with her fears. This to me felt more like a book to help understand that fears are not permanent and that sometimes facing them will lead to better things.

[Diniasih · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book tells how koyasan face her fears. An event that befall her family make koyasan must dare to act and save her little sister.

I think the messages of this book are about be brave, tough, smart and responsive to face all your weakness and fears.

[Eärendilen · Rating 5 out of 5]

the very first book i read from the author darren shan, a favorite of mine. i was..9 if recalled right. can't put them into words,the emotions of my childhood and teenage years all bound to the dance of Master Shan's pen.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short read was created for World Book Day 2006. It's a story I found rather magical and full of mythology and set in an ancient time.
I loved the way the story flowed, and the messages it portrayed too.

[Aliz Kovacs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Koyasan is another hauntingly beautiful story from Darren Shan, filled with rich characters, eerie ghostly descriptions, and a powerful lesson at its heart. Despite its short length, it left a deep impression on me. Master Shar never disappoints!

[Farin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Koyasan is a sweet, straightforward story for children, carrying a lovely message about courage and the bonds of family. The gentle pacing and heartfelt theme make it an enjoyable read, especially for younger audiences who enjoy a touch of mystery.

[Hazel Fung · Rating 4 out of 5]

a nice wee story. Wish it was a longer story. =)

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't entirely sure about this one when I started reading it but I did like it. It was a quick read for sure with a cute message.

[Ethan Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful story about facing fear and connecting with people of all ages. This was a rather light hearted book with strong values and a warm hug of an ending.

[Róka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tetszett, mert gyorsan elolvasható, olvasmányos, japános, aranyos történet. Nem tetszett viszont az átírás és a könyv nagybetűs mivolta, amiből is látszik, hogy ezt elsősorban a kisebbeknek szánták (legalábbis a kiadó mindenképpen), valószínűleg ezért is hiányzik a brutalitás és egyéb gusztustalanul vérben tocsogó belek és egyebek jelenléte. Picit komolyabbra fordítván a szót, láttam molyon is, hogy sokaknak nem jött be, a húgomnak sem tetszett, de az anyámnak igen. A húgom egyetlen érvként csupán azt bírta először felhozni, hogy Darren Shan nem ilyeneket ír, és amit én nem tudtam elfogadni, mert szerintem ez attól még nem indok, az viszont már lehet az, hogy ez gyengébb, mint más munkái. (Végül csak kisajtoltam belőle, hogy nem tetszett a happy end. Oké, az tényleg fura volt, hogy leírta a jövőt is, de valahogy így volt kerek is.)

Tény, hogy a Kojaszan más, de attól még nem rossz. Olyan… aranyos. Ettől még persze nem állítom, hogy a Darren Shan rosszabb lenne (természetesen sokkal jobb nála :) ), csak nem volt annyira szörnyű, ahogy vártam mások véleménye alapján. És akkor most fel is merült bennem egy kérdés: szabad-e valakit beskatulyázni? Nem hiszem, legalábbis én nem örülnék neki, viszont azért jogos, ha valakitől csak egy bizonyos stílust szoktunk meg.

[Fionn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very nice little book with a great story and some lovely messages. It's an easy read too, I read it in less than 2 hours.

[Aelia Haider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, snappy, very cute. Fun read! Loved it.

[Francesca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute read. Quick and beautifully written.

[Tom Moons · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leuk klein horror verhaaltje dat snel uitgelezen kan worden.

[Oni · Rating 3 out of 5]

gelap tapi kawaii

[Elina · Rating 3 out of 5]

داستانی راجع به شجاعت و توانستن!
در عین سادگی هیجانهای خودش رو داشت،و به سنین ۸ تا ۱۲ سال پیشنهاد میشه😁

[Shandy Yeo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Koyasan adalah buku Darren Shan lain yang aku baca setelah seri Demonata. Buku tipis ini berkisah tentang Koyasan yang takut menyeberangi jembatan penghubung desa dengan perkuburan kuno. Suatu malam, jiwa adiknya, Maiko dicuri arwah-arwah di perkuburan itu. Dia harus memilih antara melarikan diri dari misi penyelamatan atau menghadapi ketakutan terbesar dalam hidupnya. Pilihan yang tidak mudah bagi seorang anak kecil.

Alur cerita bergerak cepat dan lancar tanpa ada kesan paksaan. Mungkin karena alur cepat itu, maka muncul beberapa pertanyaan yang tak sempat dijelaskan di buku, seperti asal-usul kemampuan Itako. Tapi, aku tidak menuntut penjelasan lebih lanjut karena buku ini indah apa adanya. Tidak butuh lagi deskripsi panjang yang justru bisa bikin bosan. Segala hal yang butuh penjelasan menjadi misteri yang membawa buku ini menuju tingkat ketegangan tertentu.

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"Kebanyakan orang merasa takut suatu waktu dalam hidupnya. Itu tidak berarti mereka pengecut. Pengecut adalah mereka yang tidak melakukan apa pun ketika rasa takut mereka mengancam menghancurkan mereka. Kau harus menghadapi rasa takutmu saat keadaan mendesak. Kau mungkin tidak selamat kalau melakukannya, tapi kalau kau mati, kau tidak akan mati sebagai pengecut." - Halaman 24